Hyaluronic Acid: A Wonder Molecule For The Cosmetic And Pharma Industries

By Dr. Rudhramyna Gnaneshwar, Group Leader-Performance and Specialty Materials (PSM), Syngene International

Hyaluronic acid (HA) biopolymer is a naturally occurring material that helps retain moisture in the skin, eyes and lubricates the joints. However, with age, the body starts producing less and less of this material, resulting in conditions such as dry eyes, osteoarthritis, aging skin, and so on.

Pharma and cosmetic industries realized that this molecule produced by the body could be supplemented with material made in a factory to treat these conditions. Since then, due to the molecule’s valuable physicochemical properties, it is being used in the treatment of various medical conditions. These include arthritis treatment (osteoarthritis), in contact lenses for dry eye syndrome, ocular surgery (ophthalmology), cosmetic space (skincare, plastic surgery), drug delivery, and more.

HA’s crucial role in the wound-healing process presents a massive opportunity in regenerative medicine. Similarly, the chemical modification of HA could enable its application in new areas of medicine. Further, HA being a biodegradable material, it can be used without increasing carbon footprint or causing any environmental damage.

Read on to understand the many applications of HA and possibilities for the future.